2007 03 25b - SouthWest Tampa

I wanted to take some shots showing how much south-west Tampa is changing. What used to be an area of traditional homes, trailer parks and low to moderate apartments is rapidly morphing into a forest of upscale condo’s and townhouses. Local small businesses are being forced out and homeowners are finding they can no longer afford the rising cost of property taxes. Local two-lane roads are taking a beating from all the additional traffic and what used to be my shortcut to work (Westshore to Interbay) is backed up for miles every day. I know everyone faces gridlock during their daily commute but how many of us can say it starts in their driveway? This is something which is something the residents of South Tampa are facing every weekday. All of these photos were taken west of Del Mabry and south of Gandy which only covers a few square miles. I could fill a book with all the changes that have occurred in Tampa but in these photos I stuck with what I see every morning when I drive home from work which since, I now work nights, allows me to take this particular route. All photos have a minimum of post editing but that is mostly because I haven’t mastered Photoshop yet. I also did this as a test of my new 18-200mm Nikon lens.

These are the only new apartments in the area and for that matter the only new apartment buildings I know of in Tampa. All other housing construction being done is for new houses, condos or townhouses.

Now this new condo complex at least shows some architectural originality. Those Towers on the outside will house either the trash bins or the security offices. I believe the prices on these run from $250 grand for a 1 bedroom condo up to have a mil for the condos facing the bay.

Here is a shot of the security guard I mentioned before. Once he saw I wasn't up to no good we struck up a nice conversation. He is also one of the local homeowners who fears being forced out do to the rising taxes.

This was taken from across the street. I should have taken some photos of the homes from “the other side of Westshore” but I didn’t want to freak anyone out. Its bad enough all these buildings have popped up and now block their view of the bay.

I don’t know what the name of this condo complex is but I do know it is the most expensive on Westshore blvd with several costing a million dollars and up. I was told that a former professional tennis player bought one.